New Madrid County Marriage Records
New Madrid County marriage records are on file at the Recorder of Deeds office in the city of New Madrid. The office stores all marriage licenses, certificates, and supporting filings for the county. New Madrid County is located in the Missouri Bootheel region in the far southeast part of the state. Records go back many decades, and the office can help with both current and historical searches. You can look for New Madrid County marriage records by visiting the office, calling, or sending a request by mail.
New Madrid County Quick Facts
New Madrid County Recorder of Deeds
The New Madrid County Recorder of Deeds is the office that manages all marriage records for the county. Located at the New Madrid County Courthouse, the staff issue new marriage licenses, keep certificates on file, and provide copies upon request. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours.
The New Madrid County website has contact details for county offices. Missouri law under RSMo Chapter 451 sets uniform rules for marriage licenses statewide. Both people must appear together. Each brings photo ID and a Social Security number. No blood test is needed. No waiting period applies. The license is issued the same day and stays valid for 30 days in any county across Missouri.
The New Madrid County website is shown in the screenshot below, where residents can find information about county services and office contacts.
For specific marriage record searches, you will need to contact the Recorder's office directly by phone or in person.
| Office | New Madrid County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 450 Main St New Madrid, MO 63869 |
| Phone | (573) 748-2524 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | new-madrid.mo.us |
How to Search New Madrid County Marriage Records
Visit the Recorder's office in the city of New Madrid for the quickest results. Give staff the name of at least one spouse and the approximate date. They check the index and pull the record. Plain copies run about $1 to $2 per page. Certified copies cost around $9 each. Cash is the safest way to pay.
You can also call the office to ask about a specific record. For copies by mail, send a letter with the full names, marriage date, and a check or money order for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes a few weeks. New Madrid County does not currently have an online search portal for marriage records. All searches go through the Recorder's office.
Note: New Madrid County is named after the city, which itself was named long before Missouri became a state.
New Madrid County Marriage License
Both applicants must go to the Recorder of Deeds in New Madrid together. Each brings a valid photo ID and a Social Security number. If either person was married before, the month and year that marriage ended is needed. No blood test. No waiting period. The license comes out the same day you apply.
The marriage license fee in New Madrid County is about $51. It is valid for 30 days throughout Missouri under RSMo 451.090. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the New Madrid County Recorder within 15 days per RSMo 451.130. Missouri's minimum marriage age is 18 with no exceptions, effective August 28, 2025.
State Marriage Certificates for New Madrid County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has kept an index of marriages since July 1, 1948. They can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage with names, date, and county. For the full certificate from a New Madrid County marriage, you must contact the county Recorder.
Order the state statement by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. VitalChek adds a service fee. The Bureau of Vital Records website has instructions for ordering. Under RSMo 193.255, you need a direct and tangible interest in the record to receive a certified copy.
Historical New Madrid County Records
New Madrid County was established in 1812 when Missouri was still a territory. It is one of the oldest counties in the state, and marriage records span well over two centuries. The Recorder's office has the original files, though very early records may be fragile. The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City holds microfilm copies of New Madrid County marriage records for research. FamilySearch also has free microfilm access at their centers. These sources are extremely useful for genealogy work in this part of Missouri.
Public Access in New Madrid County
Marriage records are public in Missouri. The Missouri Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 RSMo gives the public access to government records, including those in New Madrid County. Plain copies are available to anyone. Certified copies require a direct and tangible interest under RSMo 193.255. The Missouri Recorders Association provides a directory of all 114 county offices in case your search extends beyond New Madrid County.
More New Madrid County Resources
Certified copies of New Madrid County marriage certificates are required for name changes after marriage. The Social Security Administration, DMV, and most banks all ask for the certified version. Get a few copies from the Recorder's office at about $9 each. Sending them to multiple agencies at the same time saves weeks compared to waiting for one copy to cycle through.
New Madrid County has a long history. The county was the site of major earthquakes in 1811 and 1812 that shaped the geography of the Bootheel region. Despite the upheaval, the county has maintained records since its founding. If you are researching family history in New Madrid County, the Recorder's office and the Missouri State Archives are both useful sources for older marriage documents.
Nearby Counties
New Madrid County is in the Missouri Bootheel. These nearby counties share borders with New Madrid County. Confirm where the license was filed before requesting a record.